Longtime broadcaster Daren Millard announces he is leaving Sportsnet
As a broadcaster with Sportsnet since its launch in 1998, there’s not many people more closely associated with the network than Daren Millard.
That’s about to change, as Millard announced on Wednesday that he’s leaving the network.
“I have decided to pursue a challenge beyond Sportsnet,” Millard said. “This decision involves many factors and soul searching and it arrives with layers and layers of emotion.”
Millard was used in a variety of roles since Sportsnet’s inception. From work at the anchor desk on sports highlights shows, to hosting NHL games, to his radio show with Sportsnet 590 The Fan in Toronto – he’s done it all.
From everyone @Sportsnet and @MooreScottmoore, thank you for being here from the start. We will miss you @darenmillard. pic.twitter.com/9l6RmzSwil
— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) August 1, 2018
Millard called working for the Canadian sports network a “dream.”
It’s not clear what’s next for Millard.
“As a Day 1’er I have always carried an extra pound of pride and it’s difficult to walk away from that,” Millard said. “I would like to recognize the producers, directors, camera operators and production crews I was blessed to work with. For many of us, this has been a long, incredible journey. It is one that I hope we are able to walk together again down the road.”
“For now I get to try something different. Just know that Sportsnet is special and you are lucky. I know that because I was for 20 years.”
Many of Millard’s colleagues, from both Sportsnet and TSN, reached out with well wishes on Twitter following his announcement.
Going to be very strange to turn on @Sportsnet and not see @darenmillard. Loved working with him the last four years, especially on trade deadline, draft and free agency. All the best, Daren. We will continue to grow the legacy you built from Day One.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 1, 2018
Best of luck bud. Hope whatever it is is amazing for you.
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) August 1, 2018
Good luck, man. All the best.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 1, 2018
I lost a great teammate @darenmillard today! I hope your next opportunity is everything you’re hoping for.
— Doug Maclean (@DougMaclean) August 1, 2018
Oh no 🤦🏻♂️ my guidance, my leader, my friend @darenmillard has left sportsnet…. He made my new job feel easy!! I’m going to miss you brother…All the best…😥
— Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) August 1, 2018
Sportsnet won’t be the same without @darenmillard There’s not much more to say than that. Nobody has meant more to the network.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) August 1, 2018
I just wanted to say thank you to @darenmillard for being a great teammate over the years and for making me feel welcome at @Sportsnet since the day I arrived
— Ken Reid (@SNKenReid) August 1, 2018
Just a quick note to thank and send my best wishes to #NHL #hockeycentral @darenmillard who announced he is leaving #Sportsnet. Good luck on the next chapter of your career.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) August 1, 2018